We all have that one room in our house (or maybe a few of them) that we can never quite seem to figure out design-wise. Maybe we find ourselves moving the furniture around every couple of months in the hopes of finally finding that perfect layout.
Maybe we make yet another trip to Hobby Lobby or Target (or order online these days) to try to find new accent pieces that might do the trick and pull the room together, without breaking the bank (you know...just in case they don’t actually look as good as we hope!).
Or maybe we simply avoid that room altogether! Do you have one of those rooms in your home?
The truth is, small spaces can be tough to design, especially without some guidance from a professional. So today I’m sharing a few “tricks of the trade” to help you tackle that small space and make it a room that you can love!
Step 1. Pick a Single Focal Point
In larger spaces, you can get away with a geometric-patterned accent chair, a vibrant multi-colored rug, and bold curtains because you have plenty of wall space and open floor space to help balance the room.
It’s a little harder to do in a smaller space… but that doesn’t mean the room has to be boring!
I like to advise my clients to start off by selecting a single focal point for the room. Maybe you have a brightly colored desk that is a must-use in your home office. Or maybe you have a piece of artwork that you know has to be the inspiration for your space. Perfect!
I encourage you to take that focal point and design around it so that the other furniture and decor in the room complements your focal point, instead of competing with it.
Then you could use solid colors for other furniture, rugs, window treatments, and anything else that you don’t consider the focal point of the room. I promise that once we get done accessorizing later in the process, the room will look anything but boring. Trust me!
Step 2. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
Every piece counts in small spaces, so we might as well look for items that have dual functionality. These specialty items save you space while allowing your room to work for you in a variety of ways.
If you are designing for a living room or family room, consider built-ins. Maybe your space already has them… and if so, why not use them! If not, think about whether adding a built-in bookshelf, entertainment center, or seating area might gain you some extra space (space that would otherwise be taken up by larger standalone pieces).
Ottomans with storage are also a great option in living rooms and family rooms. They allow you to store more in the room all while acting as a great foot rest. And they also minimize the clutter by providing a home (out of sight) for all of your essential items.
Side tables that move over an armchair or the side of a sofa are huge space-savers. They allow you the convenience of an end table without the footprint that a traditional end table consumes. Every inch of floor space is precious in small spaces!
When designing for a bedroom, you could consider a trundle bed with built-in storage underneath.
Or, if you are designing a guest room that won’t always be used as a bedroom, you could find a sleeper sofa that converts easily and matches the decor of your room. When not being used as a bedroom, y’all just gained another cozy seating area for your family to enjoy!
Step 3. Select Finishing Touches Carefully
Now that we have all of the larger components in place, it is time to focus on adding some personality to the room. This is the moment when we get to bring in patterns, colors, and textures in easy-to-handle quantities that give you that designer feel without overpowering the space.
You could look for...
throw pillows and blankets
picture frames
candle holders
trays (you know I love trays!!)
anything that complements your focal point
Step outside your comfort zone and select bright colors or varied textures that you may not normally consider. Combining colors, patterns, and textures gives you that boutique designer look you are dreaming of!
Examples of Well-Designed Small Spaces
FOR CLASSY COLOR IN A HOME OFFICE
If I love color and want a vibrant home office, why not make this magenta desk the focal point? To help it stand out, I left the rest of the furniture in neutrals (cream, white, grays) and added a pink ruffled pillow for fun! The result? An inspiring and classy home office!
FOR ART AS INSPIRATION
Or if you have a meaningful photograph from a recent adventure hanging on the wall, you could use the colors in the image for your accessories, like curtains, throw pillows, and more.
Playing up the colors in the artwork won’t take away from it being the focal point… it will actually make the photograph stand out even more!!! A conversation starter and design element all in one...yes, please!
FOR BALANCING WARM & COOL
Or if your focal point is a piece of furniture, like this honeycomb-patterned armchair in cool taupe and white, you can create beautiful balance by adding in some warmth! This brown leather ottoman and wooden desk do the trick! Classy and comfortable at the same time.
FOR SPACES THAT FEEL MORE OPEN
My last tip has to do with... mirrors! Adding mirrors (especially large ones) to your space can really make the room feel larger, brighter, and more open. Don’t believe me? Come see for yourselves, y’all!
This little breakfast nook looks twice the size than it actually is because of the large mirror we propped against the wall. A simple trick that makes a noticeable difference… and is perfect for checking hair and makeup on your way out the door!
ONE FINAL WORD
One final word on accessories in small spaces: less really is more. Small spaces can quickly feel over-cluttered, which makes them feel EVEN smaller and distracts from all the hard work you just put into designing your space! :)
Last but not least, I hope that you feel confident to put these tips into practice in your own home, but I also never want you to feel alone in this process! I am here for you.
If you have questions about any of these tips, or if you just want someone to take a look and give you some expert advice, I invite you to contact us.
No space is too large or too small for us to tackle with purpose, function, and comfort!
Our goal is to create a space for you that brings a smile to your face, and if tackling that small space of yours helps accomplish that, we would LOVE to help!
Sending love from GA,
Sarah